Director of Congressional Affairs

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Job Summary:

The Office of Congressional Affairs and Agency Engagement advocates on behalf of UW-Madison in Washington, DC. Our office works to advance the university's interests and serves as a liaison to the federal government. The Director of Congressional Affairs serves as UW-Madison's primary lobbyist to Congress and advocates on federal policies and issues that affect the university. The Director serves as a liaison between the university and Congress including members of the Wisconsin Congressional Delegation and key committees with authorization over education and research funding and related policies. Reporting to and working closely with the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Congressional Affairs and Agency Engagement the Director is responsible for the development and implementation of the strategies to effectively communicate and advocate for the priorities of the university to members of Congress. Primary duties include, but are not limited to:- Establishing and maintaining strong relationships with Wisconsin's congressional delegation and other key federal legislators and relevant congressional committees, Monitoring federal legislation of interest to the university, including federal student aid programs; funding for scientific research; immigration policies; tax policy; and technology transfer and intellectual property law.- Maintaining an in-depth knowledge of national higher education issues and a national network of contacts with leaders in higher education.- Advising the Chancellor and other senior university leaders on federal legislative matters and on issues and actions of national higher education associations.- Serving as the designated UW-Madison governmental relations representative to national higher education and scientific associations.- Working closely with the Vice Chancellor for Research and other senior campus leaders to support their federal relations needs and activities.- Identifying opportunities for UW-Madison faculty and staff to participate in congressional hearings and other activities on Capitol Hill. Key responsibilities: 1. Tracking Congressional activity related to research and higher education policy. 2. Preparing and implementing annual appropriations strategy for campus. 3. Communicating regularly with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, Center Directors and Associate Deans for Research 4. Representing UW-Madison on various national higher-education associations boards and coalitions. 5. Working closely with the new Director of Agency Engagement on research funding and policy issues.

Responsibilities:

Represents the organization's position on legislation and regulatory affairs to elected representatives and their staffs, as well as to officials and staffs in regulatory and other agencies, in support of institutional vision and goals.

• 20% Monitors legislative actions that affect institutional activity and make recommendations for policies and procedures to align with legal requirements and applicable laws
• 15% Formulates recommendations and prepares reports based on analysis of quantitative and qualitative data
• 15% Delivers directed messaging on institutional priorities to internal and governmental stakeholders
• 15% Represents the institution among governmental stakeholder groups providing organizational information
• 15% Identifies, promotes, and maintains internal and external partnerships to build relationships and represent the interests of the institution
• 20% Advances the institution's interests at the state and/or federal level and shares policy and funding developments that may impact institutional missions

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals. The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

Education:

Required Bachelor's Degree Preferred Master's Degree Advanced degree in law, political science/government, public policy, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) or related field preferred.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Professional work experience in federal government affairs, public policy, external relations, or a related field.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with members of Congress and their staffs, federal agency officials, and other key stakeholders.
• Demonstrated understanding of the federal legislative and regulatory processes.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Strong analytical and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to exercise independent judgment, decision making and confidentiality, all with limited supervision. Must be self-motivated.

Preferred:

• Experience working in or with higher education institutions and knowledge of national higher education issues.
• Familiarity with UW-Madison.

Work Type:

Full Time: 100% This position will be located in Washington, DC with occasional travel to Madison, WI required.

Appointment Type, Duration:

Ongoing/Renewable

Salary:

Negotiable ANNUAL (12 months) This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced insurance plans, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund. Learn more at

Additional Information:

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer at the time of hire. University sponsorship is not available for this position.

How to Apply:

Click the 'Apply Now' button above to begin. After creating a UW Jobs profile, you will be asked to upload a cover letter and resume highlighting your experience and skills as they relate to the listed qualifications. The deadline to assure consideration is June 1, 2024. However, the posting will remain open and applications will continue to be accepted until the position has been filled.

Contact:

Kory Breuer View email address on us.fitly.work Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Official Title:

Govt Affairs Liaison II (Inst)(CM006)

Department(s):

A02-GENERAL SERVICES/A0223/FEDERAL RELATIONS

Employment Class:

Limited

Job Number:

298504-LI

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment. The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7). The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.